Volunteerism & ICTs

Volunteerism

Volunteers play a key role, locally and globally—for individuals, families, communities and society at large.

Volunteering is defined as a non-obligatory, non-wage that individuals carry out for the well-being of their neighbors, community or society at large. It takes many forms from traditional customs of mutual self-help to community responses in times of crisis and joint effort for relief and conflict resolution.

The contribution of volunteers to the world economy is estimated to represent as much as 8 to 14% of global GNP.

Information Society

The modern world is undergoing a fundamental transformation, as the industrial society that marked the 20th century rapidly gives way to the information society of the 21st century. This dynamic process promises a fundamental change in all aspects of our lives, including knowledge dissemination, social interaction, economic and business practices, political engagement, media, education, health, leisure and entertainment. [source: ITU WSIS]

These changes profoundly affect human societies at all levels, and as such also change the way volunteers can act and interact with each other, volunteer organizations and society in general.

Volunteer Involvement and ICTs

Volunteering is a social phenomenon, and has always been an instrument of social cohesion and inclusion, and a key contributor to building social capital. As such, it must be considered both within its specific context and the framework of individual societies WHERE it is carried out. The Information Society does not represent an exception to this rule. 

Because volunteers often contribute to social inclusion, they are also an important actor when it comes to bridging the divide between those who have access to knowledge and information through new technologies, and those who do not.

In terms of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Capacity building, the needs are enormous, ranging from basic techno-literacy to sophisticated knowledge for information management. Volunteers can play a fundamental role in helping people bridge this "digital divide" to gain access to information. [source: UNV]

Thousands of volunteers offer their knowledge and expertise through e-volunteer programs, such as Netaid and others.

The network of local, regional and International web sites created during the International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV 2001) are a good example of how new technologies can constitute the basis and spine for a social movement and mobilization worldwide. For more information, see the World Volunteer Web portal and the report of the International Symposium on Volunteering (ISV 2001).